Question

A normal plant cell holds water in the vacuole of the cell. This large organelle also gives the cell support. Suppose a plant is submerged in salt water. As a result, the vacuoles collapse and the leaves wilt. This condition is called plasmolysis. Which explanation do you think best describes what happens to the cells of that plant during plasmolysis?

Answer 1

Explain that water moves down a water potential gradient, and the salt solution has a lower water potential than the vacuole so water leaves the vacuole through osmosis

In exam Q's key points are:
- Water potential gradient
- Higher water potential in vacuole
- Leaves through osmosis

Answer 2

Just use the theory of osmosis to explain how the water goes in and out.